Thefts disrupt bowls championship

Warwick District Council is using emergency powers to allow caravans to pitch in Victoria Park.

The championships began on Saturday, with caravans belonging to players, their families and supporters originally sited in a field next to Edmondscote athletics track.

But thefts of equipment began on Sunday night and continued even after security patrols were added.

Valuable equipment was stolen on Tuesday, despite being locked and chained in place.

With more families due in the second week of the championship, the council has allocated space for 20 caravans within the space normally used for car parking during the competition.

A council spokesman said: “After careful consideration on Wednesday and faced with further families on the way to compete in and support the second weekend and week the council felt it could no longer be confident it was providing the visitors with an appropriately safe and secure location.

“It was therefore decided to use emergency powers to move the caravaners to Victoria Park where they can be more easily kept safe.

“The remainder of the park will remain free of vehicles for the safe enjoyment of park users.

“This move is a one off measure in response to an emergency situation to provide an improved level of safety and security for our visitors. Arrangements will be made and put in place for future championships in the years ahead.”